Having lost my dad last Christmas, I've been working up to finally writing more about my own grief but also what I have learnt through both lots of therapy over past few years and through experiences with my own clients going through grief (I work in mental health and about to start full psychotherapy training). It's taken me a while to just start writing again in general though since both dad's death but just generally post pandemic (burnt out from NHS working). This may be the push I need! I'd love to contribute Crocuses at some point, so I will definitely be in touch. I never pursued my love of writing and connecting through a career in journalism (thought it would be too cut throat) but rather chose health and psychology (with blogging on the side) to connect with people in different ways. If I had done though - sounds like I would've loved you as my editor. Starting my substack has given me the push I needed though to just start writing again (imperfect and all!) and I am grateful for that. There's probably a book in me somewhere. Thanks for introducing yourself again Catriona - I'm a fairly new subscriber and always love a re-introduction/getting to know the person.
Hello, that sounds like a brilliant career path - journalism can place limits in a strange way when it comes to connecting with others. And yes, when you feel ready, please do get in touch as I think you'd have a lot to say that could help others, both with your personal and professional experience. I'm always here xxx
Hi Katie, I'm so pleased to of found you today. Feel free to share my story in response to your post...
My mum is dying of cancer. In 2019 it started in her breast, last year we thought she was cured, then suddenly she tells me she felt different again, and in May 2022 she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. In July she became more unwell and after a stay in hospital was given three months roughly to live. We're now reaching October and we know what that means. She's grieving her life; everyone she's ever loved, every relationship, every decision, her entire life. I'm grieving my best friend, whilst doing everything within my power to care for her.
As an end of life care nurse for years she knows the drill, knows better than anyone what's to come, and although she's terrified she is firm on wanting to maintain her dignity through death, and I am with her every step of the way. My heart breaks, she's supposed to turn 57 in October, she's just so young, and I'm 30 in November. I find it difficult to see the good these days, and although I've always believed we never know what's to come, my mum is going to die before the year is out, that's a fact, and I'm not sure I'll ever get over this time of my life. I'm someone who is about to exit their 20s parentless, childless and without grandparents. I have a sister, but her relationship with my mother is very complex, only making the bond between myself and mum even greater, even bigger a loss when the dreaded day arrives.
Hi Catriona. I’d love to write and/or talk to you about grief. My grief is the loss of childhood and the subsequent loss of adulthood until I was able to understand my trauma. I love what you write and how you write. It’s such an inspiration and I know that much of what you say clicks with me. Despite our grief being different, our losses are just as complex. Just as destructive and emotional. C
Hi Katie - please feel free to share the comment I wrote in response to your first post, which described how I felt after using my Dad. Lxx
Having lost my dad last Christmas, I've been working up to finally writing more about my own grief but also what I have learnt through both lots of therapy over past few years and through experiences with my own clients going through grief (I work in mental health and about to start full psychotherapy training). It's taken me a while to just start writing again in general though since both dad's death but just generally post pandemic (burnt out from NHS working). This may be the push I need! I'd love to contribute Crocuses at some point, so I will definitely be in touch. I never pursued my love of writing and connecting through a career in journalism (thought it would be too cut throat) but rather chose health and psychology (with blogging on the side) to connect with people in different ways. If I had done though - sounds like I would've loved you as my editor. Starting my substack has given me the push I needed though to just start writing again (imperfect and all!) and I am grateful for that. There's probably a book in me somewhere. Thanks for introducing yourself again Catriona - I'm a fairly new subscriber and always love a re-introduction/getting to know the person.
Hello, that sounds like a brilliant career path - journalism can place limits in a strange way when it comes to connecting with others. And yes, when you feel ready, please do get in touch as I think you'd have a lot to say that could help others, both with your personal and professional experience. I'm always here xxx
Hi Katie, I'm so pleased to of found you today. Feel free to share my story in response to your post...
My mum is dying of cancer. In 2019 it started in her breast, last year we thought she was cured, then suddenly she tells me she felt different again, and in May 2022 she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. In July she became more unwell and after a stay in hospital was given three months roughly to live. We're now reaching October and we know what that means. She's grieving her life; everyone she's ever loved, every relationship, every decision, her entire life. I'm grieving my best friend, whilst doing everything within my power to care for her.
As an end of life care nurse for years she knows the drill, knows better than anyone what's to come, and although she's terrified she is firm on wanting to maintain her dignity through death, and I am with her every step of the way. My heart breaks, she's supposed to turn 57 in October, she's just so young, and I'm 30 in November. I find it difficult to see the good these days, and although I've always believed we never know what's to come, my mum is going to die before the year is out, that's a fact, and I'm not sure I'll ever get over this time of my life. I'm someone who is about to exit their 20s parentless, childless and without grandparents. I have a sister, but her relationship with my mother is very complex, only making the bond between myself and mum even greater, even bigger a loss when the dreaded day arrives.
My email is hellokindlykate@gmail.com. Always happy to chat through thoughts and feelings on grief.
Hi Catriona. I’d love to write and/or talk to you about grief. My grief is the loss of childhood and the subsequent loss of adulthood until I was able to understand my trauma. I love what you write and how you write. It’s such an inspiration and I know that much of what you say clicks with me. Despite our grief being different, our losses are just as complex. Just as destructive and emotional. C